Civic body issued 1,852 licences to dog owners in ’18

Online licence system received 3,426 applications from pet dog owners and 1,852 licences were issued to them.

(Representational image)

Mumbai: The response from owners of pet dogs for getting a licence has been encouraging, what with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) having issued 1,852 licences to owners of pet dogs this year.

According to civic officials, the BMC simplified its online licence system since August 1 this year. Thereafter, it received 3,426 applications from pet dog owners and 1,852 licences were issued to them.

Under section 191(A) of the MMC Act, it is mandatory for owners of pet dogs to obtain a license for their pets. The BMC charges Rs 105 for providing a license, with Rs 100 for its renewal every year. The act had a provision that the dog can be seized if the owner fails to obtain a license or renew it every year.

According to civic officials, although a license was mandatory for pet dogs, it wasn’t strictly implemented. However, in view of the rising cases of dog bites in recent years, the BMC decided to become strict with implementation of norms.

To facilitate the registration and renewal of licenses, the civic body simplified its online licence system from August 1. As a part of this, the BMC made available online the facility to seek or renew licences for pet dogs, where citizens could obtain licences by sitting at home. For this, they had to upload all documents related to their pet dogs, including certificates from veterinarians of having rendered anti-rabies and leptospirosis vaccines, said civic officials.

The BMC also decided to create awareness about stray dog menace. During the recently held World Rabies Day drive, the civic body gave anti-rabies vaccines to 1,533 stray dogs in the city.